Greater New Orleans

Melancon calls for BP CEO Tony Hayward to step down

G. Andrew Boyd/The Times-PicayuneRep. Charlie MelanconRep. Charlie Melancon, D-Napoleonville, called this morning on ABC's "Good Morning America" for BP CEO Tony Hayward to step down in the wake of the massive Gulf oil spill that has been fouling the Gulf of Mexico for more than a month.

Melancon, who is challenging Sen. David Vitter, R-La., in this fall's elections, questioned Hayward's performance as his company has repeatedly failed to cap the damaged well, which has sent millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf since an April 20 explosion.

Melancon was especially irked by Hayward's comments to reporters last week that he wants the spill to be resolved because "I would like my life back."

"I
was watching this week as the CEO of BP said he wants his life back.
I'm to the point where I wish the board would call him back," Melancon said.